The Atlanta Braves opted to roll with Matt Olson instead of re-signing Freddie Freeman in free agency, pulling off a blockbuster trade with the Athletics to land the first baseman on Monday. Now, they've committed to Olson for the long haul, having signed him to a massive eight-year contract extension on Tuesday. The Braves released a statement Tuesday detailing the first baseman's new contract, indicating that Olson will collect $168 million in his deal with the Braves, at an average of $21 million per season.
The Braves immediately quelled any worry that Olson might walk in free agency, by preventing him from hitting the open market altogether. He'll be one of the highest-paid first basemen in baseball under his new deal, and is locked into what should be a competitive roster for the better part of a decade. Olson will be under contract through the 2029 season, and there's a club option in place for the 2030 season.
As part of his agreement, Olson will earn $15 million this year, $21 million in 2023, and $22 million for the remaining years of his contract. The Braves also noted that Olson will be donating a significant amount, $1.68 million to the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Olson was acquired in a massive trade, which saw the Braves offload star prospects Christian Pache and Shea Langeliers, as well as pitching prospects Ryan Cusick and Joey Estes. Pache and Langeliers are heralded as the top two farmhands in Atlanta's organization, so it's an excellent haul for the A's. Meanwhile, the Braves feel they landed their first baseman of the future and doubled down on that belief with the long-term contract